Frequently asked questions... *****SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE QUESTIONS!! ****

1. Where are you located?A: We are located in Finksburg, Maryland 25 minutes north west of Baltimore.Address: 2025 Suffolk rd., Finksburg, Md. 21048 410-876-4638and The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, St. Charles Surgical Hospital in New Orleans, La. 70130 504-899-2800

2. How much does the procedure cost?A: For appointments in Maryland we charge $800 for a Bilateral procedure and $600 for a Unilateral procedure. A $400 deposit is required at the time the appointment is made.. Touch up visits are not normally needed but will require a $50 minimum setup/equipment fee. Remaining fees will be decided upon consultation.

B: For information on fees for tattooing services in New Orleans please call The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery @ 504-899-2800 and speak with Brittany.

**PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ON CANCELATIONS AND RESCHEDULING **

** ONE reschedule or cancelation may be done without forfeiting deposit if done prior to 48 hours of appointment time. Any changes done within 48 hours of appointment will result in forfeiture of 50% of the deposit and require and additional $200 deposit to reschedule. Any cancelation within 48 hours of appointment will result in forfeiture of full deposit.**

3. Does it hurt?A: Normally the client does not feel any pain. Each case is different though and depending on your particular surgery there may be some small amount of sensation but it usually is not very much or uncomfortable.

B. Please DO NOT BRING OR USE A TOPICAL ANESTHESIA OR NUMBING CRÈME! If any of these products have been applied, we will not be able to perform your procedure.

4. How long do I have to wait after surgery to have the procedure done?A: We require a minimum of 5 months to pass after the date of your final surgery and/or nipple reconstruction.

5. I had nipple reconstruction... can I still get tattooed?A: Yes, although there are occasions when the pigment does not take well on the reconstructed nipple. The area around the nipple can still be tattooed as well as the reconstructed nipple, but follow up visits may be needed to ensure pigment retention on the reconstructed nipple area.

6. How long does the procedure take?A: It typically takes 1 ½ to 2 hours. This includes layout and pigment mixing. The actual tattoo time is about 15-30 minutes for each side. Unilateral clients can take slightly longer due to increased time in pigment mixing trying to get the color to match the existing areola.

B. Bring a Bra or Camisole to wear after your procedure to help hold the bandages in place.

7. How long does it take for the tattoo area to heal?A: Healing time can vary... usually it take 3-5 days. Some slight scabbing or skin flaking will occur but this is minimal. A thin coat of antibacterial ointment should be applied several time a day during the healing process. A small non-stick pad will be required for the first few days or so to avoid sticking to clothing. Washing the area once a day and thin coats of ointment is normally all that is required to get a good healed result in 3-5 days.

8. How long will the tattoo last?A: The tattoo will last a lifetime. Some slight fading may occur after several-many years but will be minimal. Normally we try to tattoo the area lighter rather than darker, so a touch up visit may be required... remember we can always darken the area but we can not lighten it once the tattoo is completed. So lighter is always better than darker.

9. Do you use sterile needles and equipment?A: YES! All of our needles are single use and sterile. All equipment that touches the skin is sterilized in an autoclave that is checked and spore tested regularly. Ink is poured into disposable caps that are not reused and all surfaces are cover with a protective film to avoid cross contamination. We go above and beyond what is required to insure yours and our safety.

10. Do you have private rooms where the procedure is done?A: YES, each room is private. Whatever your idea of an old school tattoo shop might be this is not it. We have been in business for more than 20 years and have a professional environment with some of the best trained tattoo artists in the world. We have won many international awards for our creative and innovative tattoos. We are the worlds leading authority in this type of tattooing.B. You can bring as many people with you as you like, however only one additional person can be in the room with you during your procedure.

11. Can I use my insurance to pay for the procedure?A: At the Maryland location, unfortunately no. We will give you an itemized receipt with CPT and Diagnosis codes needed by insurance companies. It is required by law that your Ins. Company reimburse you but you may need to follow-up several times with them to be reimbursed.

12. How long is the wait to get an appointment?A: In Maryland the wait for an appointment is 2-3 months.. We are now taking appointments Mon-Fri from 9:30am  3:00pm for the breast tattooing. Please feel free to call for appointment times and dates. 410-876-4638 for appointments in Maryland.

B: For appointments in New Orleans please call the Breast Center @ 504-899-2800 and speak with Cynthia.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE REGARDING THIS TYPE OF TATTOOING. WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ANSWER THEM AND MAKE YOUR VISIT COMFORTABLE AND THE RESULTS GREAT! 410-876-4638 or email vm@vinniemyers.com